Daily GK Updates - 8th April, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. “Swasth ke Sipahi” delivers essential medicines under PMBJP: During the 21 days nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19, pharmacists, popularly known as “Swasth ke Sipahi” of Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra are delivering essential services and medicines at doorstep of patients and elderly, under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) of the Government of India. Working as part of Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMJAK), they are extending essential services by making available quality generic medicines at affordable prices to the common People of the country and the elderly persons at their doorstep to fight Corona pandemic.

2. Ministry of Human Resources Development launches “Samadhan” a challenge to fight against covid19 and future challenges: Ministry of Human Resources Development in collaboration with All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has launched a mega online challenge – SAMADHAN – to test the ability of students to innovate in relation to COVID-19. The students participating in this challenge will search and develop such measures that can be made available to the government agencies, health services, hospitals and other services for quick solutions to the Coronavirus epidemic and other such calamities. Applications to participate in this competition will start from 7 April 2020. The last date for submission of applications is 14 April 2020.

Note: Chairman of AICTE: Anil Sahasrabudhe.

Union Minister of Human Resource Development: Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’.

3. HRD Ministry has designated DigiLocker as National Academic Depository (NAD): The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) has designated DigiLocker as the sole National Academic Depository (NAD) and has also directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) to implement NAD as a permanent scheme within DigiLocker. DigiLocker is primarily a cloud-based safe, which allows users to store electronic versions of important documents like Aadhaar card, birth certificates, voters ID cards, PAN cards, driving license, property documents and provides access to these on the go. NAD will be implemented as a permanent scheme without the levy of any user charges by DigiLocker through the Ministry of Electronics and IT.

Note: Minister of Human Resource Development: Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’.

4. Chhattisgarh’s Janjgir-Champa District Police Creates App ‘Rakhsa Sarv’ to keep an eye on home quarantined people: The district police of Janjgir-Champa in Chhattisgarh has created a mobile application named ‘Rakhsa Sarv’ to keep a tab on those violating the home quarantine order, in a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus. The app has been developed with the help of Noida-based startup Mobcoder. With the help of the Google Map, the district police will be able to track the people kept under home quarantine, after returning from foreign travel. The purpose of launching the app is that a large number of people are kept in home quarantine, and so it is not possible to keep each one under surveillance on a regular basis. A similar mobile app has been developed by the Mohali Police in Punjab named ‘Covid Control’ to keep an eye on home quarantined people to ensure quarantine protocols are being followed properly.

Note: CM of Chhattisgarh: Bhupesh Baghel; Governor of Chhattisgarh: Anusuiya Uikey.

5. Delhi Govt. launches 5T plan to contain COVID-19 crisis: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal unveiled a five-point plan to tackle the coronavirus outbreak. The “5Ts” stands for testing, tracing, treatment, teamwork and tracking & monitoring of the virus.

About the 5Ts: (1) First “T” of the 5T plan stands for “Testing”: Under this “T”, the Delhi government will conduct one lakh rapid tests in hotspot areas like Dilshad Garden and Nizamuddin to contain the spread of the new coronavirus; (2) Second “T” of the 5T plan stands for “Tracing”: Testing process is followed by another key step i.e. tracing under which people are identified who have come in contact with a positive patient and are asked to self-quarantine; (3) Third “T” of the 5T plan stands for “Treatment”: After tracing, there comes the next step i.e. Treatment under which 2,950 beds have been reserved for coronavirus patients and 12,000 hotel rooms will be taken over by the Delhi government. Under this step, serious patients and elderly will be kept in hospitals while those patients with milder symptoms will be kept in hotels and dharamshalas; (4) Fourth “T” of the 5T plan stands for “Teamwork”: In order to contain the spread of novel coronavirus, role of “teamwork” is very important; (5) Fifth “T” of the 5T plan stands for “Tracking & Monitoring“: The developments and the actions taken to stop the spread of the Covid-19 will actively tracked by the the Delhi government.

6. Three permanent judges appointed for J&K High Court: Three newly-appointed judges took oath of office, raising the strength of judges in Jammu and Kashmir High Court to 12 against 17 available positions. Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul, Justice Sanjay Dhar and Justice Puneet Gupta were sworn in as a permanent Judges of the common High Court for the Union territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. They were administered oath of office by Chief Justice J&K High Court, Justice Gita Mittal in Jammu wing of the High Court. There are 17 positions in the High Court, including Chief Justice. Of those, 12 are permanent judges and five additional judges.

7. Surat Municipal Corporation takes unique initiatives to fight COVID-19: Surat Municipal Corporation (Gujarat) is using the Integrated Command and Control Centre set up under Smart City Mission as a war room to fight COVID-19. SMC has published an online dashboard having statistics on tested, confirmed, active, recovered and death cases on its website for regular updates of COVID-19 to the citizens. SMC is using this COVID-19 war room to carry out CCTV surveillance of public spaces, and containment clusters.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. USAID announces $2.9 million aid to India to fight Covid19: The Washington, DC based United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has announced a grant of $2.9 million to India to help it fight the coronavirus pandemic. The funds will help the Government of India to further support India’s response to COVID-19, slow the spread, provide care for the affected, and support local communities with the tools needed to contain the disease.

Note: Headquarters of USAID: Washington, D.C., United States; Founded of USAID: 3 November 1961; USAID Administrator: Mark Green.

2. Twitter CEO pledges $1 billion to combat COVID-19 pandemic: Chief Executive Officer of Twitter, Jack Dorsey has pledged to donate $1 billion to charities working towards combatting the global COVID-19 pandemic. The donation seems to be the largest donation pledged by a private individual in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic. Jack Dorsey will move $1 billion of his digital payments group “Square” equity i.e. 28% of his wealth, to #startsmall LLC to fund global COVID-19 relief.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Englands Ben Stokes named 2020 Wisden’s Leading Cricketer in the World: England’s all-rounder Ben Stokes has been named as the leading cricketer in the world by Wisden for the year 2019. He is the first player from England since 2005 to be named for this award. In Women’s category, Australia’s Ellyse Perry has been named the Wisden’s Leading Female Cricketer in the World. The other Five Cricketers of the Year by Wisden’s are: Jofra Archer (England), Pat Cummins (Australia), Simon Harmer (South Africa), Marnus Labuschagne (Australia) and Ellyse Perry (Australia- female).

2. Test spinner Stephen O'Keefe retires from 1st class cricket: Former Australia Test spinner Stephen O'Keefe (35 years) has retired from first class cricket after being omitted from New South Wales' list of contracted players for the next domestic season. The left armer took 35 wickets in nine tests including 12 in a match against India at Pune in 2017. Nathan Lyon remains New South Wales main spin option.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. SIDBI to provide emergency working capital to MSMEs: The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) will facilitate Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with emergency working capital of up to Rs 1 crore against their confirmed government orders. The SIDBI’s new loan product i.e. SIDBI Assistance to Facilitate Emergency response against Coronavirus (SAFE) plus will be provided collateral free and disbursed within 48 hours at an interest rate of 5%. Under its flagship scheme called SIDBI Make in India Soft Loan Fund for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (Smile), SEBI has opened an additional financial window for the healthcare sector. The scheme will be applicable to MSMEs engaged in hand sanitizers, masks, gloves, head gear, bodysuits, shoe-covers, ventilators and goggles. SIDBI further said it has enhanced the loan limit for MSMEs to Rs 2 crore under its SAFE initiative.

Note: Chairman & Managing Director of SIDBI: Mohammad Mustafa.

2. RBI increases the number of days for which a State/ UT can be in overdraft: The Reserve Bank of India allows State Government to tide over their cashflow mismatches (consider it as a loan) in form of Special Drawing Facility (SDF) and Normal Ways and Means Advances. Now RBI has increased the number of days or which a State/ UT can be in overdraft continuously as under: The number of days for which States/UTs can be in overdraft continuously has been increased to 21 working days from the previous 14 days. The number of days for which a State/ UT can be in overdraft in a quarter has been increased to 50 working days from the previous 36 days. The new arrangement will remain valid till September 30, 2020.

OBITUARIES

1. Kannada actor Bullet Prakash passes away: Kannada actor Bullet Prakash passed away at the age of 44 year. He was suffering from kidney-related ailment. He is known for his comic roles and he was named ‘Bullet’ because of his love for Royal Enfield Bullet motorbikes which he used to ride. He was also a member of the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP). He was a member of the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2015.

2. Malayalam actor Sasi Kalinga passes away: Veteran Malayalam actor Sasi Kalinga (59 years) who has acted in more than 250 films, passed away. He was diagnosed with liver disease and had been undergoing treatment for a long time now. Sasi Kalinga started off his career as a theatre actor and later shot to fame with films like Pranchiyettan, The Saint, Amen, and Vellimoonga.

3. Veteran Indian-American Journalist Brahm Kanchibotla Passes Away: An Indian-American journalist, Brahm Kanchibotla, passed away after being tested positive of Coronavirus in America. He was 66. Kanchibotla was a former contributor to the United News of India news agency and was working as New York and UN correspondent of the United News of India. He got infected with the disease while he was busy doing ground reports for his news agency United News of India (UNI).

Daily GK Updates - 7th April, 2020

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. “Lifeline UDAN” initiative launched by Ministry of Civil Aviation: “Lifeline UDAN” is an initiative which has been launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation to help India fight against COVID-19. Under this initiative, 132 cargo flights have been operated so far across the country to transport medical cargo including remote and hilly areas. Medical supplies of more than 184 tons have been delivered till date during lockdown period with the support of Air India, Alliance Air, IAF and private airlines.

Note: Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Civil Aviation: Hardeep Singh Puri.

2. Britannia Industries partners with Dunzo to deliver essential items: An online delivery platform, Dunzo has tied up with packaged foods company Britannia Industries to deliver range of products to its customers. Britannia Essentials store have been launched by Britannia Industries that will be available to Dunzo app users. The batch of essential products produced by Britannia Industries will be available at Britannia’s distribution centers and will be sourced by Dunzo from distribution centers to ensure proper handling of goods as well as the availability of these products to the people.

Note: Chairman of Britannia Industries: Nusli N Wadia; Managing Director of Britannia Industries: Varun Berry.

3. NHAI achieves highest ever Construction of National Highways: NHAI has accomplished highest ever construction of 3,979 km of national highways in the financial Year 2019-20. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has envisaged an ambitious highway development programme ‘Bharatmala Pariyojana’ which includes development of about 65,000 km national highways. National Highways Authority of India is an autonomous agency of the Government of India, set up in 1988.

4. CSIR-CFTRI to provide testing equipment for COVID-19 detection: Mysuru-based CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI) has joined hands with the district administration by providing equipment needed for testing of samples. CSIR-CFTRI is providing two PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) machines, 1 RNA extraction unit and two skilled people along with necessary chemicals to the district administration for coping with the large number of samples to be tested in the district.

5. JNCASR develops versatile coating to stop spread of viruses: An antimicrobial coating has been developed by Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bangalore. It has shown excellent results in tackling the spread of deadly influenza virus, the root cause of severe respiratory infections, by inactivating large loads of influenza virus. The proven efficiency of the coating in 100% destruction of influenza virus (an enveloped virus) shows that the coating may be effective in destroying COVID 19.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. NASA unveils plan for “Artemis” base camp on the moon by 2024: NASA has unveiled its plans to setup the first human base camp “Artemis” on Moon’s south pole by year 2024. The space agency is working on the Artemis program that aims to land humans on the moon by 2024. It has also submitted a 13-page report to the National Space Council. As per the report, the base camp will demonstrate the US’s continued leadership in space as well as help them prepare to undertake humanity’s first mission to Mars.

Note: The administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA): Jim Bridenstine; Headquarters of NASA: Washington D.C., United States.

2. International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda: 7 April: International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda is being observed globally on 7 April every year. The day was announced by the United General Assembly in 2003. Through the day, UNESCO aims to educate the world population regarding genocides and the consequences of the crime.

Note: UNESCO formation: 4 November 1946; UNESCO Headquarters: Paris, France; UNESCO Director-General: Audrey Azoulay.

3. World Health Day: 7 April: The World Health Day is a global health awareness day which is being celebrated on 7th of April every year. On this day, governmental as well as non-governmental health organizations organize events that aim to promote healthier habits of living. The theme of World Health Day 2020 is “Support Nurses And Midwives”. The WHO has named the year 2020 as the ‘International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife’.

Note: The World Health Day also marks the establishment of the World Health Organization (WHO) on 7 April 1948.

President of the World Health Organisation: Tedros Adhanom Trending; Headquarters of WHO: Geneva, Switzerland; WHO founded: 7 April 1948.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. IWF Bans Thailand, Malaysia From Weightlifting Event At Tokyo Olympics: The Independent Member Federation Sanctions Panel (IMFSP) of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) has imposed disciplinary sanctions on Thailand and Malaysia. And so both the countries has been banned from participating in weightlifting events at the Tokyo Olympics. Apart from this, IMFSP has also suspended the Thai Amateur Weightlifting Association (TAWA) for three years, while the Malaysian Weightlifting Federation (MWF) has been given a one-year ban. This ban will be effective from 1 April 2020. Due to the doping violations, the membership status of Thai Amateur Weightlifting Association (TAWA) has been suspended for 3 years till 1 April 2023 while Malaysian Weightlifting Federation (MWF) is suspended for a period 12 months till 1 April 2021.

Note: The Tokyo Olympics 2020 will commence from July 23 to August 8 in 2021 while the Paralympics Games will be held from August 24 to September 5, 2021.

Capital of Thailand: Bangkok; Currency: Thai baht; Prime Minister: Prayut Chan-o-cha.

Capital of Malaysia: ‎Kuala Lumpur; Currency: Malaysian Ringgit; Prime Minister: Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. PNB Housing Finance signs agreement with JICA to raise $75 million: Punjab National Bank Housing Finance has signed a pact with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to raise 75 million dollars (about ₹568 crore) to finance mortgage loans in the affordable housing segment. The Citibank will be co-financing 25 million dollars in order to finance the mortgage loans in the affordable housing segment. The tie-up also states first debt funding ever done by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in the housing finance sector in India. This will be JICA's first debt funding in the housing finance sector in India.

Note: Managing Director of PNB Housing Finance: Sanjaya Gupta.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Supreme Court Extends Tenure of Justice Shiva Kirti Singh as TDSAT Chairman by 3 Months: The Supreme Court of India has extended the tenure of current Chairperson of Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT), Justice Shiva Kirti Singh, by three more months. This decision has been taken by a bench comprising Chief Justice SA Bobde, Justices Sanjay K. Kaul & Deepak Gupta on 7 April 2020. The 3 years term of Justice Shiva Kirti Singh (former Supreme Court judge) as TDSAT Chairperson was coming to an end on April 20, 2020. He had assumed the office on April 21, 2017. The Supreme Court bench has also directed the union government to expedite the process of appointment for TDSAT members.

Note: TDSAT was established to adjudicate disputes and dispose of appeals to protect the interests of service providers and consumers and to promote growth of the telecom sector.

2. Infosys COO, U.B. Pravin Rao Appointed Chairman of Nasscom for FY’21: The IT services industry body Nasscom (National Association of Software and Services Companies) has appointed UB Pravin Rao, as the new Chairman of the company for the current financial year 2020-21. UB Pravin Rao is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Infosys. He will succeed Keshav Murugesh, Group CEO, WNS Global Services. Besides this, Chairman and Senior Managing Director, Accenture India, Rekha M Menon, has been appointed as the Vice-Chairperson for the industry body for this fiscal. The newly appointed leadership, along with President Debjani Ghosh, will help the industry body achieve its 2025 vision for the industry.

Note: NASSCOM Headquarters: New Delhi; NASSCOM Founded: 1 March 1988.

OBITUARIES

1. American actor Forrest Compton passes away: Veteran American actor Forrest Compton, who was popular for playing the role of district attorney Mike Karr in the long-running soap opera “The Edge of Night”, passed away due to COVID-19 complications. He has served in France with the 103rd Infantry Division during the World War II and then started learning acting at the Yale Drama School alongside cinema legend Paul Newman. His other popular works includes “One Lie to Live”, “As the World Turns” and “All My Children”.

2. Malayalam music composer Arjunan Master passes away: Veteran Malayalam music composer MK Arjunan, popularly known as Arjunan Master, passed away. He was 84. He scored music for more than 300 plays and 200 movies in his long and highly successful career. He was awarded the Kerala State Film Award in 2017 for his work in director Jayaraj’s Bhayanakam.

3. Former Libya Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril Passes Away: Former Libya Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril who was the former head of the Libyan rebel government that ousted the long term ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, passed away due to COVID-19. He was 68. Jibril served as the interim Prime Minister of Libya for seven and a half months during the Libyan Civil War, from 5 March to 23 October 2011. Before joining the revolution in 2011, Jibril served the Gaddafi government as an economic advisor in its final years and later led the rebel National Transitional Council, the interim government that toppled and killed Muammar Gaddafi.

Note: Capital of Libya: Tripoli; Currency: Libyan dinar; Prime Minister of Libya: Fayez al-Sarraj.

4. Former New Zealand cricketer Jock Edwards passes away: The former New Zealand wicket-keeper batsman Jock Edwards (64 years) passed away. The right-hand batsman, Edwards played eight Test matches and six One Day Internationals (ODIs) for the Kiwi team. His last Test as well as ODI match was against India in the year 1981 each. He was also a member of the Nelson side that held on to the Hawke Cup for 14 matches between February 1979 and February 1983. In his international career, Jock scored 377 runs in Tests and 138 runs in ODIs which he played against Australia, England and India.

Daily GK Updates - 3rd July, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Campaign to eradicate AES and JES launched in UP: Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh have launched the 2nd phase of Communicable Disease Control and Dastak Abhiyan 2019. The campaign is launched to eradicate deadly Acute Encephalitis Syndrome and Japanese Encephalitis disease. The state wide program was organized under the banner of Health department and UNICEF. Chief Minister flagged off the vehicles of awareness campaign and also honored the Dastak Yoddhas by awarding certificates.

Note: Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh: Yogi Adityanath; Governor: Ram Naik

2. Chattisgarh govt raises the retirement age of private sector labourers to 60 years: The Chattisgarh government has decided to increase the retirement age of industrial labourers working in private sectors to 60 years from the current 58 years. Employees and labourers working in various undertakings, factories, industries and commercial institutions would now retire at the age of 60 years. Final notification will be issued within 15 days after disposing of the suggestions received from all stakeholders. This will be applicable to all undertakings, including factories, establishments, institutions and other industrial units coming under the purview of the Chhattisgarh Industrial Employment (Standing Order) Act, 1961, and the Chhattisgarh Industrial Employment (Standing Order) Rule, 1963.

3. Smriti Irani launches a book title ‘Whispers of Time’: Union Minister Smriti Irani has launched a book titled 'Whispers of Time' at the India International Centre in New Delhi. The book 'Whispers of Time' authored by Dr Krishna Saksena (91-years). ‘Whispers of Time' is an effort to condense nine decades of her life experiences, realisations and observations into a book of fiction based on facts. Dr.  Saksena is the first woman candidate from Uttar Pradesh to get a PhD degree in English Literature in the year 1955.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. USA designates Baloch Liberation Army as terror group: The Department of State of USA has designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and Hizballah operative Husain Ali Hazzima as Specially Designated Global Terrorists. The USA has also blamed the organizations for the attacks on Chinese assets amid an ongoing civil war like situation in Pakistan’s biggest province Balochistan.

2. U.S. Senate passes provision to give India NATO ally-like status: The U.S. Senate has passed a legislative provision National Defense Authorisation Act for India. The act will bring India at par with America’s NATO allies which will increase U.S.-India defence cooperation in the Indian Ocean in the areas of humanitarian assistance, counter terrorism, counter-piracy and maritime security. The act has been passed for the fiscal year 2020.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Ambati Rayudu retires from international cricket: Indian batsman Ambati Rayudu has announced his retirement from international cricket. He has played 55 ODIs for India, scoring 1694 runs at an average of 47.05 with three hundreds and 10 half-centuries.

2. India loses to Pakistan in the IBSF Snooker World Cup finals: The Indian team lost to Pakistan in the final of the IBSF Snooker World Cup in Doha. India lost the summit clash by 1-3. Pankaj Advani and Laxman Rawat represented the Indian team in the world cup.

3. Odisha to host 21st Commonwealth Table Tennis tournament: Odisha Government will host the 21st Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship at the Jawaharlal Indoor Stadium in Cuttack (from 17th to 22 July 2019). This championship will see participation from some of the best players from across the world. Sports Secretary Vishal Dev and senior vice president, TTFI SN Sultan and president, OSTTA LN Gupta signed the MoU in presence of CM Naveen Patnaik.

Note: The tournament has received a good entry with 14 associations, consisting India, Singapore, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, England, Scotland, Wales, Jersey, Australia, Cyprus, South Africa, Nigeria, Pakistan.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. RBI fines 4 Public Sector Banks for violating KYC norms: The Reserve Bank of India has imposed penalties on four state-run lenders for violating Know Your Customer norms and anti-money laundering standards. Punjab National Bank, Allahabad Bank, and UCO Bank were fined Rs 50 lakh each while Corporation Bank was fined Rs 25 lakh.

2. S. Vishwanathan reappointed RBI deputy governor for one year: N.S. Vishwanathan has been reappointed as deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of India. The Appointments Committee of Cabinet has approved the extension of Vishwanathan's term as RBI deputy governor by one year (from 4 July 2019). Vishwanathan is in charge of regulation of banks, non-banking finance companies and cooperative banks. Besides Vishwanathan, the other deputy governors of the RBI include B.P. Kanungo and M.K. Jain.

3. Karnam Sekar takes over as Indian Overseas Bank MD and CEO: Karnam Sekar was taken over the charge as new Managing Director (MD) and CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of Indian Overseas Bank. He has replaced R Subramaniakumar. Mr. Sekar began his career in State Bank of India (SBI) as a probationary officer. He also had served Dena Bank as its Managing Director and CEO

Note: Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) is a major public sector bank based in Chennai, India, with about 3,400 domestic branches and about 6 foreign branches and representative office.

4. IMF appoints economist David Lipton as interim leader: American economist David Lipton will serve as interim leader of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He will replace Christine Lagarde who was nominated to head the European Central Bank. Chief of International Monetary Fund Christine Lagarde has been nominated as the first woman to head the European Central Bank.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Ola Electric gets $250m funding from SoftBank: Japanese company SoftBank has invested around $250 million in Ola Electric Mobility. With this investment, Ola Electric has become the newest unicorn of India, joining the list of companies like Flipkart, Zomato and Paytm.

Note: CEO of Ola Electric: Bhavish Aggarwal; CEO of Softbank Corp.: Ken Miyauchi, Chairman: Masayoshi Son.

2. Manoj Kumar Nambiar elected chairman of MFIN: Microfinance Institutions Network (MFIN) has elected Manoj Kumar Nambiar as its chairman. He will replace Udaya Kumar Hebbar, President MD & CEO of CreditAccess Grameen. Vineet Chattree (Svatantra Microfin) will be the vice-chairman.

Note: Microfinance Institutions Network is an association for the microfinance sector in India. Its member organizations constitute the leading microfinance institutions in India. MFIN comprises 56 NBFC-MFIs and 40 associates including banks, small finance banks and NBFCs.

Chief Executive Officer of MFIN: Harsh Shrivastava; Founded: December,2009.

3. Nalin Singhal has been appointed as new CMD BHEL: Dr. Nalin Shinghal has been appointed as the chairman and managing director (CMD) of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). Mr. Singhal is presently working as Chairman and Managing Director of Central Electronics Limited. BHEL is India’s largest power generation equipment manufacturer and is owned by Government of India.

4. Amazon tops as the world’s most valuable brand: BrandZ Report: As per the BrandZ Report, Amazon has topped in the 100 Most Valuable Global Brand for 2019. The brand value of Amazon saw an increase of 52% in 2019 at USD 315,505 million (USD 207,594 million- in 2018). Apple is at the second rank followed by Google at 3rd. Three Indian companies (HDFC Bank-60^th, LIC-68^th & TCS-97^th) have found place in the ranking.

Note: The BrandZ rankings of the world’s most valuable brands have been compiled by WPP’s research arm. BrandZ calculates the value that the brand contributes to businesses by combining financial and market data with surveys of nearly 4m consumers in 51 countries on their views about brands. 

DEFENCE

1. Indo-French Joint Air Exercise Garuda-VI Begins: The Indian and French Air Force has started Garuda VI exercise at Mont de Marsan in France. The exercise is scheduled to take place from 1 July to July 12, 2019, in France. The Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent comprises of 120 air-warriors and four Sukhoi 30 MKI along with an IL-78 flight refuelling aircraft.

Note: Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa is the present Chief of the Air Staff of IAF.

Daily GK Updates - 20th June, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. FM chairs the 20th Meeting of the FSDC in New Delhi: The 20th meeting on Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) was held under the chairmanship of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi. The meeting reviewed the current global and domestic economic situation and financial stability issues including, inter-alia. Sitharaman will present the first budget of the new government on July 5.

Note: The Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) was constituted in December 2010. The FSDC was set up to strengthen and institutionalise the mechanism for maintaining financial stability, enhancing inter-regulatory coordination and promoting financial sector development. 

Composition: The Council is chaired by the Union Finance Minister and its members are Governor, Reserve Bank of India; Finance Secretary and/or Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs; Secretary, Department of Financial Services; Chief Economic Adviser, Ministry of Finance; Chairman, Securities and Exchange Board of India; Chairman, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority and Chairman, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority. 

It also includes the chairman of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board (IBBI).

2. Himachal Pradesh makes GPS device must for trekkers: The Himachal Pradesh government makes mandatory for trekkers to carry a GPS device so that they can be provided all possible help in case of any emergency. According to the Himachal Pradesh government, as Himachal Pradesh being a disaster prone state, therefore Kullu and Dalhousie have been identified for installation of early warning system. Rampur and Mandi towns have been zeroed in for setting up the reliefand rescue base of National Disaster Response Force.

Note: Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh- Jai Ram Thakur. Governor- Acharya Dev Vrat. Capital- Shimla.

3. NCERT organises National Yoga Olympiad of school children: National Council of Educational Research and Training organised 4th edition of National Yoga Olympiad of school children in New Delhi. The Olympiad was inaugurated by the Director and UNESCO Representative for India, Mr. Eric Falt. This year 567 students from 33 States/UTs participated in the Olympiad. The purpose of olympiad was to create positive attitude among all human beings and promote peaceful living together in the society.

Note: International Day of Yoga: 21st June

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India extends $15 mn assistance to Niger for holding AU summit: India has extended USD 15 million assistance to Niger for organising the African Union (AU) summit scheduled to be held in Niamey early next month. The summit is scheduled to be held in Niamey from July 7-8. It will also be the first time that Niger is scheduled to host an AU summit. India is also establishing the Mahatma Gandhi International Convention Centre (MGICC) in Niamey under grant assistance.

Note: African Union (AU), international organization established in 2002 by the nations of the former Organization of African Unity (OAU). There are 54-member nations; the only African country that is not a member is Morocco. The AU's headquarters are at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Niger Capital- Niamey; Currency- CFA franc, West African CFA franc.

2. Bangladesh, South Korea state channels now on DD Free Dish: India has signed agreements with Bangladesh and South Korea for DD India to be telecasted on the state platforms of the respective countries. As per the agreement, BTV World, a channel owned by Bangladesh TV and KBS World, an English language of South Korea, will now be available on the state-owned DD Free Dish. 

Note: South Korea Capital- Seoul, Currency- South Korean won; Bangladesh Capital: Dhaka, Currency: Taka, PM: Sheikh Hasina.

3. WHO offers a new tool for action against antimicrobial resistance: WHO offers a new tool "AWaRe" to contain rising antimicrobial resistance and make antibiotic use safer and more effective.

AWaRe tool - The tool aimed at guiding policy-makers and health workers to use antibiotics safely and more effectively. It’s another objective is to limit drugs that are at risk of resistance. The tool, known as ‘AWaRe’, classifies antibiotics into three groups:

"Access" specifies which antibiotics to use for the most common and serious infections.

"Watch" specifies which ones should be available at all times in the healthcare system.

"Reserve" are those that must be used sparingly or preserved and used only as a last resort.

Note: The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) that is concerned with international public health. It was established on 7 April 1948, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Tedros Adhanom is working as a Director General of WHO since 2017. 

4. Mexico ratifies US-Mexico-Canada agreement: Mexico has ratified the US-Mexico-Canada agreement. This makes it the first country to give the new North American trade deal final approval despite recent tensions with the US. The Mexican government called the deal's passage a clear message in favour of an open economy and deepening economic integration in the region. Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador claimed the deal would bring in more foreign investment and jobs in Mexico, and access to the US market. The deal aims to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which helped turn Mexico into an exporting powerhouse over the past 25 years.

Note: The North American Free Trade Agreement was implemented in 1994 to encourage trade between the United States, Mexico, and Canada. NAFTA’s purpose was to encourage economic activity among North America's three major economic powers. President Trump made a campaign promise to repeal NAFTA, and in August 2018, he announced a new trade deal with Mexico to replace it. In Sept. 2018, Canada joined the deal: the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which was signed on Nov. 30, 2018.

5. World Refugee Day: 20 June: World Refugee Day is celebrated around the world on 20th June to raise awareness about the precarious condition of refugees around the world who have been forced to leave their homes due to war, persecution and conflict. The theme for World Refugee Day 2019 is “Step with Refugees — Take A Step on World Refugee Day.” The theme focuses on that there is a need to take big and small steps in solidarity with refugees from around the world. According to the United Nation (UN) every minute, around 25 people have to leave everything in the search for a better and safer life.

Note: UN Headquarter: New York, USA; Founded: 24 October 1945. Mr Antonio Guterres of Portugal is the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Folksam Grand Prix: PU Chitra wins 1500m gold: Asian champion PU Chitra won the women's 1500m gold at the Folksam Grand Prix in Sollentuna, Sweden. She produced the best time of her season so far by clocking 4 minutes 12.65 seconds (4:12.65s). She is a gold medal winner in Asian Championships held in Doha, Qatar in April 2019. Asian Games gold medallist India’s Jinson Johnson won the silver in the men's 1500m clocking 3:39.69.

2. Archery Association of India de-listed by the world body: Archery's world body has de-listed the Archery Association of India (AAI) as a member and given it a month's time to either get its house in order or face suspension. World Archery (WA) said it will wait till 31st of next month before deciding on AAI's suspension. The WA will wait for the Supreme Court's verdict on the controversial elections of the AAI. The decision to de-list AAI will not prevent Indian archers from taking part in international events under the national flag in competitions for which entries have already been made.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Canara Bank updates rules for cash deposits of up to Rs 50,000: From July 1, Canara Bank customers can deposit cash of up to Rs 50,000 for free only thrice a month. From the fourth transaction or for cash deposits of over Rs 50,000, there will be a service charge of Rs 1 per thousand, with a minimum of Rs 50 and a maximum of Rs 5,000 plus GST.

Note: Canara Bank Chairman: T.N. Manoharan; Headquarters: Bengaluru; MD & CEO of Canara Bank: R.A. Sankara Narayanan

2. IndusInd Bank-Bharat Financial merger to be effective from July 4: IndusInd Bank and Bharat Financial Inclusion Ltd (BFIL) said their merger will be effective from July 4. The National Company Law Tribunal on June 10, 2019, approved the Scheme of Arrangement among BFIL, IndusInd Bank and Induslnd Financial Inclusion and their respective shareholders and creditors. IndusInd Bank in October last year decided to acquire the country's leading micro-finance player BFIL, which was previously known as SKS Microfinance.

Note: IndusInd Bank was inaugurated in April 1994 by then Union Finance Minister Manmohan Singh. Headquarters- Mumbai, Maharashtra. CEO: Romesh Sobti

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. At 9.8 GB per month, India has the highest data usage per smartphone: According to a new study by Swedish telecom equipment maker Ericsson, India has the highest average data usage per smartphone, reaching 9.8 GB per month at the end of 2018. The report also forecasts that this figure is likely to double to 18 GB per month per smartphone by 2024. The ‘Ericsson Mobility Report’ added that total smartphone subscriptions in the region are likely to reach 1.1 billion by 2024, growing at 11% CAGR. In 2018, mobile data traffic per smartphone per month stood at 7 GB for North America, 3.1 GB for Latin America, 6.7 GB for Western Europe, 4.5 GB for Central and Eastern Europe.

2. ICANN partners NASSCOM to develop tech, standards for IoT devices: Global internet body Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and Indian IT industry body National Association of Software and Services Companies (Nasscom) collaborated to develop identifier technology to manage devices and infrastructure using internet. Under the collaboration, both the bodies will first focus on updating Internet of Things (IoT) devices using domain name system (DNS). The project team under the collaboration includes ICANN technical experts, NASSCOM's Centre of Excellence IOT team, IIT Hyderabad team and participants from India's Education and Research Network(ERNET).

Note: President of ICANN: Göran Marby; Chairman of NASSCOM: Rishad Premji

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Indian engineer wins Innovation Award in UK: Nitesh Kumar Jangir, an Indian engineer has won the 2019 Commonwealth Secretary General's Innovation for Sustainable Development Award in the “People” category in London. Nitesh Kumar Jangir created Saans, a breathing support device to tackle avoidable deaths of premature babies from respiratory distress syndrome.

Daily GK Updates - 25th December, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Rs 100 coin in memory of Vajpayee launched : A commemorative coin worth Rs 100 in honour of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was launched on 24 December 2018.The coin features the Emblem of India on the front side. The reverse side of the coin features a portrait of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The years 1924 and 2018 are inscribed below Vajpayee’s portrait to mark the year of his birth and death respectively.

2.MSAMB appoints officers to facilitate trade : Maharashtra has become the first state in the country to appoint out-of-state trade representatives. The Maharashtra State Agriculture Marketing Board (MSAMB) appointed six trade representatives to  promote trade in semi-perishable commodities. They will also collect relevant market information. They have been posted in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Assam, and Tamil Nadu.

3. Book on Maharaja Jagatjit Singh launched :  Punjab’s Chief Minister Amarinder Singh released a book on former ruler Maharaja Jagatjit Singh of Kapurthala on 24 December 2018. The title of the book is ‘Prince, Patron, and Patriarch – Maharaja Jagatjit Singh of Kapurthala’. It is co-authored by Brigadier (Retd) Sukhjit Singh and Cynthia Meera Frederick.

4. Good Governance Day-25 December : Good Governance Day is observed annually on 25th December, the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.Good Governance Day was established by the government of India in 2014.The aim of the day is to make people aware of the government’s commitment to providing a transparent and accountable administration in the country.

5. Longest rail-cum-road bridge inaugurated : India’s longest rail-cum-road bridge – Bogibeel Bridge was inaugurated in Assam on 25 December 2018. The Bridge is situated 17 km downstream of Dibrugarh city in Assam. It crosses the Brahmaputra river and will connect Assam’s Dibrugarh town with Dhemaji. The bridge will also facilitate faster movement of army troops and supplies to Arunachal Pradesh.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1.Hamilton awarded Drivers’ Driver of the Year : On 22 December 2018, Lewis Hamilton won the ‘Drivers’ Driver of the Year’ award.For the first time, voting was done to determine the winner of the award. He won the award after he claimed the 5th World Drivers’ Championship. Lewis Hamilton is the third man in history to secure the 5th world title. Max Verstappen was placed in the 2nd position and Fernando Alonso got the 3rd place.

2. Belgium tops FIFA rankings : Belgium ended the year at the top of the FIFA rankings for December released on 20 December 2018.They are one point ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup champions France. Belgium has 1,727 points by FIFA’s calculations and France has 1,726 points. France was ranked second. France is followed by Brazil, Croatia, and England.

3. Turkmenistan launches first messaging app : Turkmenistan launched its first messaging app on 24 December 2018. The name of the messaging app is ‘BizBarde’.The app will allow the exchange of messages, files, photos, and videos. The application is available via the Google Android platform as well as Apple’s iOS and Microsoft Windows.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING/FINANCE:

1.Bharathi appointed as head of Corporation Bank : P V Bharathi has been appointed as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation Bank on 24 December 2018.She is at present Executive Director of Canara Bank. She will take over the charge on or after 1 February 2019 and remain in the post till March 31, 2020 – the date of her superannuation.

2. PNB launches special card for Kumbh Mela : Punjab National Bank (PNB) has launched a special card for Kumbh Mela 2019.The bank has partnered with the Uttar Pradesh government to create a model for digitization at Kumbh Mela 2019.For convenient and hassle-free transactions at these shops, the bank has created the ‘PNB Rupay’ card which works even without the internet.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY:

1.SpaceX launches new GPS satellite : SpaceX successfully launched the US Air Force’s first Global Positioning System (GPS) III satellite, nicknamed ‘Vespucci’, on 23 December 2018. The new GPS satellites, built by Lockheed Martin, will provide three-times better accuracy than the current system of GPS and will be eight times better at anti-jamming. The GPS is owned by the U.S. military and operated by the U.S. Air Force. 

2.‘Super-Earth’ in ‘Cassiopeia’ discovered : Researchers have discovered a new exotic planet outside the solar system in the constellation ‘Cassiopeia’. The planet has been named ‘HD219134 b’. It is located 21 light years away from earth. It has a mass of almost five times that of Earth, which is considered a so-called ‘super-Earth’.It is rich in calcium and aluminum alongside magnesium and silicon.